Thank you so much for explaining it all in a way I could totally understand. I got my book The Maker’s Diet today. I can’t wait to crack it open. Hopefully you won’t become exhausted with all my questions, that I know I am going to have. lol
Yeah I don’t feel so alone in my secret love of smoing. I confess I loved smoking too…I miss it so much. But I know that I am healthy for not doing it and setting a good example for my children by not smoking. But oh how I love it.. Thank you for this wonderful blog…
This part really bothered me: “Oncological researchers in those labs know that pig fat is the best medium on earth to grow cancer cells in a petri dish.”
I’ve wondered about this since reading the Maker’s Diet, but always come back to the fact that just as it is with factory farmed beef, there is no comparison between conventional pork and pork from a farmer you trust. If my farmer is controlling what the pigs eat, not letting them eat soy, dead animals, or any of the other gross stuff you mentioned, and my pig is what he eats (and I am what he eats), then I feel comfortable eating it because I trust my farmer. (And know his family eats it, too.)
Biblically, I’m not convinced that we are required to be under the strict old Jewish laws, and instead, since Jesus came, we are now under the “new law” He came to bring us. This is one verse I found:
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ (Col. 2:16-17).”
I am not completely confident about this topic, though, and think it would be great to get more discussion going on it, especially since you provided such a well-written argument. I’m going to post this Monday and hopefully more people will jump in to share their thoughts. I’m also going to ask my farmer to read this and get his take.
I’m with Kelly. I was always taught that we are no longer bound to the dietary laws of the Old Testament. As for what factory farmed pigs eat . . . ew! Makes the “pricey” organically raised pigs at the farm where I get my raw milk seem like a bargain!
It is really refreshing to see Christians upholding the dietary Law, between Muslims and Jews, the practice of Christians was really lacking in this regard, and this post has many insights and reasons to support the wisdom behind the prohibition of pork.
I would add that avoiding pork is not the only requirement for Christians, Jews and Muslims, you also have to pronounce the name of God over animals at the time of slaughter – it was practiced back in the day but this too has died out among Christian societies of modern times.
I’m not trying to rile anything up, but do you keep ALL the Levitical laws? I’m unclear on how you would go about justifying not obeying all the laws–other than sacrifice–with what you’ve laid out here.
I think the other reasons are definitely enough. I’m considering giving up pork for health reasons alone…
Hi VW and thank you for asking. What a great question!
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I guess the first thing I should say is that we are neither perfect nor really very strict. The next thing I would like to reiterate is that we never tell anyone else what they should or should not eat, or what they should or should not offer to their families. In addition, when we are guests at someone else’s table, we bless our meals and eat what is offered gratefully and in fellowship, in the spirit of the hospitality in which it was offered to us, without critique or reproach.
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That said, we do our very best to follow a Levitical diet. The more we have studied about the Levitical dietary laws, the more we have been convicted to follow them for both 1) health reasons and also 2) as an act of grateful worship to our Creator by whose hand all things were made and passed down to us. But life is all about balance, stewardship, and intent.
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We strive to follow the Levitical dietary laws as completely and as often as possible within the intent of ministry. Being a guest at someone’s table is a great example. If our host or hostess were to prepare us a catfish dinner, or a shrimp cocktail, or a ham sandwich, we must ask if it would hurt our witness to turn down what is offered. Maybe, and maybe not — so we strive to find that balance.
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Do we avoid smoking for the obvious health reasons? Or do we avoid smoking because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and not inhaling toxic smoke is the appropriate and grateful act as a worshipful believer? And the answer to both is “Yes” and the two factors balance into our decisions regarding smoking. Would it hurt our witness to turn down a cigarette? Being as that we are former smokers ourselves and so many people in our community smoke? Maybe, and maybe not — so we strive to find that balance.
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Does it hurt to say *I* don’t smoke instead of *YOU* shouldn’t smoke? Does it hurt to say *I* don’t eat pork instead of *YOU* shouldn’t eat pork? One is a personal decision and the other is a judgement. Which would hurt our witness? Either? Neither? Both?
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Most food we can purchase outside of the produce aisle of the grocery store contains some kind of chemicals like high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial sweeteners, denatured something-or-other, or things that have been processed by man to the point that they are actually harmful such, as unfermented soy and “enriched” white flour. Sometimes it is just impossible to find alternatives for a needed ingredient in a timely manner. So what do you do? Sacrifice your plans and time-frame and make and eat something else? Or compromise to accommodate your time-frame and desired end result? Do you have time to make your own bread or do you buy that loaf made with “enriched” flour, sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, and loaded with artificial coloring?
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Like everyone else, we make the best choice we can at the time and we come to those decisions prayerfully.
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If you are interested in the science behind the Levitical dietary laws, I would encourage you to check out our bookshelf or the Our Diet link up there for additional resources. We are still learning, believe me.
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Thanks for asking and may God bless you. I hope this answers satisfies. Gregg
We don’t keep all of the Levitcal laws. For instance, we don’t follow the laws about mildew. But, if I lived in a land without bleach and Lysol, I might, because I understand that as with the dietary laws, the cleansing laws are in place to keep the people healthy and protected. We don’t follow the laws about bodily discharge, open sores, and cleansing rituals, but, again, we have superior medical practices, clean environments, soap, and disinfectants and if we didn’t, it would probably be the safest idea to follow the laws as laid out by God. My husband does shave his beard and cuts his hair, but if he chose not to as an act of worship I would be good with that.
Everything else, we pretty much do, as it applies to us. For instance, we don’t have fields or vineyards or slaves, so they don’t apply. Starting the beginning of the Jewish calendar, we will be observing the feasts. And obviously we don’t need to do any sacrificing or mete out or receive punishment for sin, because Jesus became the sacrifice for all, and received retribution for all sin.
And, like Gregg said, there are exceptions we make for the diet. We aren’t purists. We just are following God’s guidelines understanding that the reason they are in place are for our own health and safety. And when we follow them, we’re acknowledging the Author of the law in a grateful and worshipful way. Because He is the mighty Creator of the heavens and the earth and is worthy of all acknowledgment, worship, and praise.
Wow very interesting. I may have to try and forget this post as we eat pork chops tonight! I don’t know that I agree that as Christians we should follow Levitical food law but I do think any sacrifice we make for God is blessed. (and I doubt I ever buy chops from the store again!)
Thank you for your post!
What a fabulous conversation! I haven’t eaten pork since I was twelve and became a vegetarian. Even after eating meat again a few years ago I stayed away from pork and shellfish. I don’t think, as Christians, we are bound by the dietary laws as far as being a sin issue is concerned, but I do think the laws are there for practical reasons. I think pigs (and shellfish) are scavengers and are here to clean up our environment since they do eat everything. I’m not convinced they are clean enough to eat. Of course I wouldn’t pass judgement on anyone eating it. Like I said, I don’t think it’s a sin issue anymore, but I do think God’s old testament law is applicable for us today. I’ve very recently read that if you have digestive problems you shouldn’t eat meat and dairy combined because it is notoriously difficult to digest. That’s one of the laws, as well. I find it fascinating when I find out science continues to prove God’s word.
Dang, I wish I had by-passed this RFW post! Yuck, yuck, and double yuck. I knew pigs were gross animals, but I didn’t realize just how gross they actually are. They eat their own cancerous growths?? Geeroos!
This post was disgusting on so many levels and makes me re-think my decision to feed my children pork (though I don’t eat it). I haven’t eaten pork in about 20 years, but my kids eat it regularly. I made the decision to include it in their diets because they needed the extra fat and I didn’t want to create a life-long aversion to something simply because I have one.
WOW This was very informative as well as very gross. I believe my husband and I willbe reviewing this information later and making some decisions. We only eat pork once or twice a month so really not giving up much. Thanks for the information!
Aside from the spiritual arguments, what is your source for the information you post about pigs, their metabolism and their diet? I do my best to avoid all factory farmed meat. Can you cite scientific data that show that pastured pork is inherently unhealthy compared to pastured beef?
Halee, I found your site through Kelly the Kitchen Kop’s reference to this article and since I am a Torah-observant believer in Yeshua the Messiah, I found your article very interesting and refreshing in this age of self-gratification.
Regarding this comment: “Some Christians say that after a vision by Peter, God cleansed all animals and made them fit and lawful for human consumption. ” I have never understood why some say that God was cleansing unclean animals here, when it very clearly says in Acts 10:28 following the sheet-like object full of unclean animals event, when Peter is explaining his vision to Cornelius and all the others: “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any MAN (emphasis mine) unholy or unclean.” Cornelius was a gentile, yet Peter was being instructed to preach the gospel to Cornelius and ultimately to all gentiles. God is NOT calling unclean animals clean, nor will He ever do so. God does not change, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He would not one day tell us that unclean animals are not to be eaten, then another day say they can now be our food! He didn’t make a mistake!
Great post and we too avoid pork (we do have bacon and sausage occasionally) b/c of it’s lack of cleanliness as a meat. But I do agree with Kelly that if it’s from a known source than it is probably better but still not good. I imagine that in biblical times, the feed that pigs were given may have been cleaner and God did not specify that it was ok IF the pigs ate cleanly. We choose also to follow most of God’s given Levitical dietary laws NOT b/c we are ‘Under the Law” – we aren’t. We do so b/c as THE CREATOR, God knows His creation best and knows what is good for us and what is not.
All that being said, I must correct the bit about the Pepsi/Pork experiment. That is an Urban Legend and is explained at www dot snopes dot com Just search on Pepsi and pork and the article will come up. You may want to update your post as some people may throw out all of your well written defense based on the one area of mistaken information.
Sources are readily available. The link to the USDA fact sheet is in the post itself. Other sources include but are not limited to the late Dr. Rex Russell, MD, Dr. Jordan Rubin, MD, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Again, all we are doing is telling you why WE choose to follow a Levitical diet. We are NOT trying to tell anyone else not to eat pork. Eat it if you want and enjoy.
Nor are we judging ANYONE for choosing not to follow a Levitical diet. Go right ahead, and we have nothing negative to say about it at all.
Lastly, if you feel you must judge us in some way for our choice of diet, feel free to do that as well. I find it kind of odd, frankly, since it does not affect anyone else in any conceivable way, but do so if you must.
Ok, I am extremely grossed out! But in a good way. I love the internet because it helps us find info so much easier and I’m all about being informed. So, thanks Hallee for that very enlightening info. I’ve always known pigs were well pigs but I didn’t know all that about them. We love anything pig, bacon, pork chops, ham but I purchase it from my local farmer who pastures them and grows his own organic feed (soy free). I suppose they could get into something disgusting while rooting around but I feel I am providing my family with a “cleaner” option.
While I don’t believe we are bound by those particular eating requirements anymore I do agree with my pastor who says, “When God says no, what He is really saying is ‘Don’t hurt yourself’.” He doesn’t say no to us to be mean, He loves us and knows what’s best so with that in mind ya have to wonder what His initial reasons were in keeping us away from certain foods. I believe He allowed these unclean foods more out of His love for the gentiles. He didn’t want anything to stand in the way of them being able to hear and accept the gospel message. I don’t think He changed the fact that a pig is still a pig and therefore unclean, prone to harboring and cultivating diseases regardless of how we might try to change their eating habits and environment. So, will I continue to enjoy my “cleaner” pig? Absolutely! (Although I might have to wait til those visions of what I’ve read subside.) Will I maybe limit my consumption of pig in the future? Absolutely!
I’d have to say that I’m with Kelly on this one. If you know your farmer, and know you’re not eating containment pigs, you can have pork that is clean. As for religious reasons for avoiding certain meats, if that works for you, great. But I won’t be giving up my bacon. Thank you for providing more information, and for your respect for choices made by others.
Hallee, I posted this on Kelly the Kitchen Kop’s site and thought I’d add it here since this is where the conversation started.
We bought a pastured pig last year and will buy another one this year. I’m from the Midwest and have seen plenty of pig farming so when I visited the farm (a Joel Salatin-style farm in Oregon) and saw the pigs, I actually teared up. I had never seen happier hogs. They live their entire lives outdoors with a wooded area full of oak trees where they hunt for acorns. The farmer feeds his pigs fresh whey. And he uses heritage breed hogs which are heartier, healthier, and have the right portion of fat to muscle. Our pork was the best meat we’ve ever had. I don’t worry about the horror stories of unclean pork with these animals. There are farmers in the US raising animals with intelligence, love, and compassion and that makes all the difference. I think hogs are like the canary in the coal mine in that they are very sensitive and when not raised right, they easily become diseased and toxic. However, when raised with care, they produce the most divine food.
As a side note, chickens will also eat unclean, diseased, rotting flesh; rodents; each other; and just about any scrap you give them. We humans have to take responsibility for our charges, giving them ample living space, sun, and appropriate food options. That’s our job.
Very interesting post. As a proud follower of Dr Weston A Price, I try to eat traditional foods whenever possible. Some of the healthy peoples studied by Dr. Price, such as the Maori, did eat pork as part of their traditional diet. the Georgians of the Caucasus, one of the healthiest and longest lived peoples on earth, eat as much fatty pork as they can get.
While pigs certainly will eat anything , their preferred food in their natural habitat is mast, the fallen nuts of trees like oak and beech. Various cultures have tried to strictly control the diet of pigs, going back to the Romans and Greeks. I will almost always brine any pork I cook, which is a very traditional practice. It not only helps with flavor and tenderness, but the salt should kill a lot of the bacteria. I also cook to a high enough temperature that the bacteria should be killed, at least according to the government.
That said, I actually do not eat that much pork, because it so hard to find pork that has not been raised on soy.
Hi- I believe as the Bible of John ‘s book says that a man is pure even as he is pure. We are pure because of what we eat & don’t eat & how we purify our system with fasting & prayer. The purer the food, the less blood of Christ needs to purify our system & it can go to heal others etc.. blessings. Also there is evidence scientifically that pigs have human genes or other such mutations from the past that makes them more like humans then other animals so we pick up that energy too. It takes more Holy Spirit to clean oneself from a pork dinner then a chicken etc.. fowl dinner. It won’t hurt you to eat it except as I suggest here & we all want salvation & resurrection which is easier without the pork to densify us more.
Ohhhhhh disgusting. I haven’t had pork in a long, long time. I was a strict vegetarian for years and when I went back to eating chicken and turkey, I still didn’t eat beef or pork. I hate it. But, I will admit that I have been eating pepperoni pizza lately because it’s easier sometimes, and now I’m just so sick that I’ve eaten it lately (it’s been very recently that I’ve just started eating pepperoni again). Thank you for this info, I had no idea!
I apologize if my post sounded judgemental. I had never read anything about the porcine metabolism and the processing of toxins, etc… I was curious where that information came from.
I found this statement from one of the sites you link above interesting:
“God gave Israel the dietary laws to make them holy. Remember, the word holy does not refer to a moral/ethical quality. It means to be set apart. Israel is supposed to demonstrate to the world that it is a nation set apart for the LORD. One of the ways that the people of Israel are to do that is by maintaining a distinctive diet that, on some levels, keeps them separate from others. The distinctive requirements of the kosher diet have forced the Jewish people to cluster together in communities while limiting their potential interactions with other communities.”
found here: https://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/shemini/clean_and_unclean_animals.php
I really enjoyed reading your blog! It’s informative and well constructed. I wanted to share a scripture that you may want to sink your teeth into (no pun intended): Psalm 68:4-
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him.”
Some of what is written here does not seem right to me.
For instance the part about the pigs’ feet: I don’t belief there’s some kind of sewer line to the foot. I think pigs get infections in their feet from being raised in poor conditions and with unnatural flooring.
The part about the uric acid makes no sense to me either. I’d want to see some good sources on this.
Hallee,
This post is simply brilliant and thank you so much for posting it!!! I am a born and raised Seventh Day Adventist. We also follow the Biblical diet of not eating unclean meats. I was raised this way, vegetarian until I was a teenager and then strayed away for a long time. I have to confess, I love bacon too. It’s the only weakness I have in the pork department, all the others I don’t like, but I do LOVE it. I had to force myself to eat turkey bacon again and like it.
I also love crab, and lobster. But, I’ve made myself love the fake stuff.
In my lifetime I have experienced numerous times, people make fun of me, question me and even get mad at me for not eating pork. My own family has put me down for it. It’s such a personal decision and it never made sense to me that other people cared but I’ve learned that people don’t like what they don’t understand or what is different.
I am very impressed by your honesty when you start out by saying that you love to smoke, love to eat pork, etc. It’s such a hard thing to admit when you are a Christian because everyone expects us to be perfect. We are human beings too, and God understands our addictions and is always there to help when we ask Him. For me, its especially hard being an Adventist because we focus so much on health and diet, to admit my habits because of the shame that comes along with them. If everyone was as honest as you, I think being a Christian would be a much easier journey. But, alas, nothing that is right, is easy.
I also agree with Kelly. While I completely respect your right to eat this way, I would have enjoyed seeing citations to back up your statements. The USDA page says:
*The “Passed and Inspected by USDA” seal insures the pork is wholesome and free from disease.
*What foodborne organisms are associated with pork?
Pork must be adequately cooked to eliminate disease-causing parasites and bacteria that may be present. Humans may contract trichinosis (caused by the parasite, Trichinella spiralis) by eating undercooked pork. Much progress has been made in reducing trichinosis in grain-fed hogs and human cases have greatly declined since 1950. Today’s pork can be enjoyed when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures.
Some other foodborne micro-organisms that can be found in pork, as well as other meats and poultry, are Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. They are all destroyed by proper handling and thorough cooking.
I would really like to read the reasoning behind your statements because I am currently trying to decide whether to eat pork.
You say, “I would really like to read the reasoning behind your statements because I am currently trying to decide whether to eat pork.”
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Honestly, whether or not you decide to smoke, eat trans fatty acids, consume mono-sodium glutimate, or eat pork is entirely, and I mean entirely, your decision.
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Our decision is not to eat pork or engage in other practices that are generally considered unhealthy or health risks.
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God Bless,
Gregg
Thank you, Gregg. I am aware that the choice to eat or not eat pork is mine. Implying that it’s as bad as smoking seems grossly exaggerated to me…that’s why I wanted to see more your resources. You skipped to the end of my comment. This is fine, though. To each his own.
I didn’t skip to the end of your comment. Is it worth pointing out that while, as you cited, trichinosis cases have “greatly declined since 1950,” that there is a way to 100% guarantee that you won’t come down with this parasite via the pork vector? That is, by not consuming pork.
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We have stated our reasons and made our case for why we choose not to eat pork. Further research would not only seem redundant but superfluous. Whether or not you choose to — or not — remains your choice whether we perform more research is not really relevant since we have already made our choice.
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God Bless,
Gregg
I’ve loved your blog for ages, but I seem to have missed a few chapters … like this one. And it’s so funny, because God has been leading me to change our family’s lifestyle and now I’m seeing things (like this!) EVERYWHERE. I’ll miss my bacon … a LOT … but I know what God is going to do will be exciting for us all!
Thanks sooooooo much for your site! I’ve been wrestling with the decision to cut pork from my family’s diet for some time now. You have ended any doubts that remained. I couldn’t eat pork now if I tried….gag…such disgusting creatures! No wonder Jesus never had anything good to say about them. Thanks for presenting the facts and arming your readers with the ammunition to make their own decision. Now…I’m off to my fridge to trash some bacon bits!! God bless you & your family.
Do you vaccinate your kids since many vaccines use pigs as the medium? What is terrible is I am contemplating eating pork chops tonight, and making pulled pork tomorrow. Was going to be a good fast meal since we have all the ingredients… And this is making me not want it…. (sigh…)
Thank you so much for sharing, I need to look into this more. I don’t vaccinate as I don’t believe in it, but was concerned when you don’t eat pork, I would expect you would want to avoid it being injected into you also… And so many don’t realize the ingredients in vaccines… :o( Again, thank you!!! :o) I have found a wonderful website, I look forward to reading a lot here. :o)
You have a potentially great article on your hands, here! However, there is one major–MAJOR–issue I have with this blog entry. I see no citations for your information. A little research and a creative mind could easily fabricate this information. Furthermore, your research could easily be email forwards as opposed to scientific journals. I am not saying it is the case, but there is simply no way of knowing the case without citations. Can you please pass along the sources for your research?
With regards to Christians who feel freed from dietary laws, you are correct. God called the Jews to be separate from other peoples. However, animal fat causes arterial blockages; God forbids the consumption of fat. Animal blood can contain E Coli, salmonella, and other microbial contaminants; God forbids the consumption of fat. Shellfish can cause severe food poisoning; God forbids the consumption of shellfish. AIDS supposedly entered men through some form of primate contact, be it dietary or beastiality, and the disease was spread via homosexuality and promiscuity (among other, less common forms of transmission); God forbids the consumption of or copulation with primates, and homosexuality is forbidden, too. God is a pretty sharp fella, so even though we are free from dietary laws, they are still worth considering as personal dietary guidelines!
Thanks for your comment. I guess it might be a MAJOR problem for a thesis paper, a news print article, or a research paper. For a blog post? Maybe not so major. Especially since references are listed and linked in the article. First of all, every single Bible verse is cited and the Word of God is, of course, our ultimate authority. Secondly, if you actually read all the way down to the bottom of this page and look under the section perhaps counter-intuitively labeled “References” in big bold letters, you will find links to the following sources:
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The Maker’s Diet: The 40-day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever by Jordan S. Rubin
The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness: Seven Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential by Jordan Rubin & David M. Remedios M.D.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health by Rex Russell, M.D.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living Cookbook by Hope Egan & Amy Cataldo with Forward by Rex Russell, M.D.
What Would Jesus Eat? The Ultimate Program for Eating Well, Feeling Great, and Living Longer by Don Colbert, M.D.
The What Would Jesus Eat Cookbook by Don Colbert, M.D.
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If the Bible and those books are not enough by way of sources and references, I would also encourage you to read the blog post “Give a Pig a Pancake” which is also linked in the body of this page.
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I would also like to remind all of our readers on behalf of Hallee and myself that this page is not mean to instruct anyone else on how he or she should or should not eat. It is intended merely to educate our readers about how we choose to eat and the reasons why we choose to do so. As we follow our personal convictions, we expect everyone else to do the same.
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Again, thanks for your comment and happy reading,
Gregg
I just found your website, and I really enjoy looking through it! Love all your posts. :-) I’m actually a vegan, so I don’t worry about the whole pork thing. And I agree with you about the health reasons for abstaining from pork.
But, I did want to touch on the behavior of pigs that you write about. In factory farms, all animals will eat anything. Chickens/turkey/etc. will eat dead things, each other, rotting things, infected things, etc. A lot of what you say about the behavior of pigs is a result of factory farming. Animals lose their minds in those places. A pig, with a large area to run around in, plenty of space, quality care will act TOTALLY differently than a pig in a factory farm. This goes for chikens, cows, and any other animal as well. Just check out a diverse, sustainable organic farm and a factory farm. The way the animals act is totally different.
Also, almost all animals, including wild ones, will eat their young if there is something wrong with it and it isn’t healthy/likely to survive.
I felt like I had to write all that, not to promote pork eating (hey, vegan here, lol), but to defend the behavior of factory farmed pigs! I actually have two piggie rescues (I live on a farm, filled with rescud animals), and they’re very sweet creatures. They don’t eat one another or eat rotting things or dead things or infected things. They like back rubs, and are quite picky about their food (probably because they’re spoiled by me, lol).
Anyway, keep up the good posts. :-)
P.S. I forgot to add that I actually found your website because of your books. I really the first two (haven’t read the third in the trilogy yet). :-)
a comment of mine I submitted above was never posted. I don’t know if it was rejected or missed. I’m reposting a smaller version of it:
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I see no reference on this page or in the books listed in a comment above for this part of your post:
…”The pig was designed with a natural sewer line, or canal, running down each leg with an outlet in the bottom of the split foot. Out of this aperture oozes pus and filth its body cannot pass into its system fast enough. When farmers squeeze the pig’s foot to check the color of this pus, they call it “pig gravy.” Naturally, some of this toxic pus is in the leg meat of the pig.”
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I am skeptical that this is actually true.
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I googled and finally found a version of this idea in an essay by Kellogg in 1897 on the dangers of pork. He was a doctor, vegetarian, I think a Seventh Day Adventist, and I think the founder of the Kellogg’s company of cereals. He had some strange ideas. If he is the source for this idea, I think you need a better, more current source.
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I can believe that there are pigs with injuries and infections in their legs due to poor housing now and in the past, as well as poor nutriton especially in the past. That is different from saying that they actually have a sewer line in their legs. Maybe Kellogg got that idea from ignorant farmers back in the 1800s who didn’t take good care of their pigs.
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As you have said, this page is about how you choose to eat, and you point out that other people can make their own decisions. But it still is a gross item for people to read on this page, and it is presented here to your readers as if it is a known fact. I don’t think it is.
You might ask your veterinarian if this is actually true.
I do wish you would revise this post. The accuracy of these points is separate from your decision not to eat pork. As you say, it’s a personal decision, but that is separate from whether you are providing accurate information. For example, the simple comparison of the amount of fat on beef t-bone steak vs. porkchops seems wrong to me. There are maybe 8 or more different nutritional profiles for these categories depending on whether the values are for separable lean and fat or just separable lean, and how much fat is left after trimming. modern pork tends to be lean, not fatty. if you compare the values for untrimmed pork vs. trimmed steak, you are making an unhelpful comparison, apples to oranges. (And if there s a lot of fat on the edge of a porkchop a person can trim it off .) I’m not saying anyone needs to eat pork, but that bit of information in your post is misleading.
Thank you so much for explaining it all in a way I could totally understand. I got my book The Maker’s Diet today. I can’t wait to crack it open. Hopefully you won’t become exhausted with all my questions, that I know I am going to have. lol
Yeah I don’t feel so alone in my secret love of smoing. I confess I loved smoking too…I miss it so much. But I know that I am healthy for not doing it and setting a good example for my children by not smoking. But oh how I love it.. Thank you for this wonderful blog…
Wow, I didn’t know any of this. I’m going to be showing this to my hubby when he gets home. I’m defiantly thinking the bacon has to go!
Hi Hallee,
This part really bothered me: “Oncological researchers in those labs know that pig fat is the best medium on earth to grow cancer cells in a petri dish.”
I’ve wondered about this since reading the Maker’s Diet, but always come back to the fact that just as it is with factory farmed beef, there is no comparison between conventional pork and pork from a farmer you trust. If my farmer is controlling what the pigs eat, not letting them eat soy, dead animals, or any of the other gross stuff you mentioned, and my pig is what he eats (and I am what he eats), then I feel comfortable eating it because I trust my farmer. (And know his family eats it, too.)
Biblically, I’m not convinced that we are required to be under the strict old Jewish laws, and instead, since Jesus came, we are now under the “new law” He came to bring us. This is one verse I found:
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ (Col. 2:16-17).”
I am not completely confident about this topic, though, and think it would be great to get more discussion going on it, especially since you provided such a well-written argument. I’m going to post this Monday and hopefully more people will jump in to share their thoughts. I’m also going to ask my farmer to read this and get his take.
Thanks, Hallee!
Kelly
Your husband will hate me! LOL
I’m with Kelly. I was always taught that we are no longer bound to the dietary laws of the Old Testament. As for what factory farmed pigs eat . . . ew! Makes the “pricey” organically raised pigs at the farm where I get my raw milk seem like a bargain!
It is really refreshing to see Christians upholding the dietary Law, between Muslims and Jews, the practice of Christians was really lacking in this regard, and this post has many insights and reasons to support the wisdom behind the prohibition of pork.
I would add that avoiding pork is not the only requirement for Christians, Jews and Muslims, you also have to pronounce the name of God over animals at the time of slaughter – it was practiced back in the day but this too has died out among Christian societies of modern times.
I’m not trying to rile anything up, but do you keep ALL the Levitical laws? I’m unclear on how you would go about justifying not obeying all the laws–other than sacrifice–with what you’ve laid out here.
I think the other reasons are definitely enough. I’m considering giving up pork for health reasons alone…
Hi VW and thank you for asking. What a great question!
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I guess the first thing I should say is that we are neither perfect nor really very strict. The next thing I would like to reiterate is that we never tell anyone else what they should or should not eat, or what they should or should not offer to their families. In addition, when we are guests at someone else’s table, we bless our meals and eat what is offered gratefully and in fellowship, in the spirit of the hospitality in which it was offered to us, without critique or reproach.
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That said, we do our very best to follow a Levitical diet. The more we have studied about the Levitical dietary laws, the more we have been convicted to follow them for both 1) health reasons and also 2) as an act of grateful worship to our Creator by whose hand all things were made and passed down to us. But life is all about balance, stewardship, and intent.
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We strive to follow the Levitical dietary laws as completely and as often as possible within the intent of ministry. Being a guest at someone’s table is a great example. If our host or hostess were to prepare us a catfish dinner, or a shrimp cocktail, or a ham sandwich, we must ask if it would hurt our witness to turn down what is offered. Maybe, and maybe not — so we strive to find that balance.
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Do we avoid smoking for the obvious health reasons? Or do we avoid smoking because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and not inhaling toxic smoke is the appropriate and grateful act as a worshipful believer? And the answer to both is “Yes” and the two factors balance into our decisions regarding smoking. Would it hurt our witness to turn down a cigarette? Being as that we are former smokers ourselves and so many people in our community smoke? Maybe, and maybe not — so we strive to find that balance.
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Does it hurt to say *I* don’t smoke instead of *YOU* shouldn’t smoke? Does it hurt to say *I* don’t eat pork instead of *YOU* shouldn’t eat pork? One is a personal decision and the other is a judgement. Which would hurt our witness? Either? Neither? Both?
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Most food we can purchase outside of the produce aisle of the grocery store contains some kind of chemicals like high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial sweeteners, denatured something-or-other, or things that have been processed by man to the point that they are actually harmful such, as unfermented soy and “enriched” white flour. Sometimes it is just impossible to find alternatives for a needed ingredient in a timely manner. So what do you do? Sacrifice your plans and time-frame and make and eat something else? Or compromise to accommodate your time-frame and desired end result? Do you have time to make your own bread or do you buy that loaf made with “enriched” flour, sweetened with high fructose corn syrup, and loaded with artificial coloring?
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Like everyone else, we make the best choice we can at the time and we come to those decisions prayerfully.
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If you are interested in the science behind the Levitical dietary laws, I would encourage you to check out our bookshelf or the Our Diet link up there for additional resources. We are still learning, believe me.
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Thanks for asking and may God bless you. I hope this answers satisfies. Gregg
We don’t keep all of the Levitcal laws. For instance, we don’t follow the laws about mildew. But, if I lived in a land without bleach and Lysol, I might, because I understand that as with the dietary laws, the cleansing laws are in place to keep the people healthy and protected. We don’t follow the laws about bodily discharge, open sores, and cleansing rituals, but, again, we have superior medical practices, clean environments, soap, and disinfectants and if we didn’t, it would probably be the safest idea to follow the laws as laid out by God. My husband does shave his beard and cuts his hair, but if he chose not to as an act of worship I would be good with that.
Everything else, we pretty much do, as it applies to us. For instance, we don’t have fields or vineyards or slaves, so they don’t apply. Starting the beginning of the Jewish calendar, we will be observing the feasts. And obviously we don’t need to do any sacrificing or mete out or receive punishment for sin, because Jesus became the sacrifice for all, and received retribution for all sin.
And, like Gregg said, there are exceptions we make for the diet. We aren’t purists. We just are following God’s guidelines understanding that the reason they are in place are for our own health and safety. And when we follow them, we’re acknowledging the Author of the law in a grateful and worshipful way. Because He is the mighty Creator of the heavens and the earth and is worthy of all acknowledgment, worship, and praise.
Wow very interesting. I may have to try and forget this post as we eat pork chops tonight! I don’t know that I agree that as Christians we should follow Levitical food law but I do think any sacrifice we make for God is blessed. (and I doubt I ever buy chops from the store again!)
Thank you for your post!
What a fabulous conversation! I haven’t eaten pork since I was twelve and became a vegetarian. Even after eating meat again a few years ago I stayed away from pork and shellfish. I don’t think, as Christians, we are bound by the dietary laws as far as being a sin issue is concerned, but I do think the laws are there for practical reasons. I think pigs (and shellfish) are scavengers and are here to clean up our environment since they do eat everything. I’m not convinced they are clean enough to eat. Of course I wouldn’t pass judgement on anyone eating it. Like I said, I don’t think it’s a sin issue anymore, but I do think God’s old testament law is applicable for us today. I’ve very recently read that if you have digestive problems you shouldn’t eat meat and dairy combined because it is notoriously difficult to digest. That’s one of the laws, as well. I find it fascinating when I find out science continues to prove God’s word.
Dang, I wish I had by-passed this RFW post! Yuck, yuck, and double yuck. I knew pigs were gross animals, but I didn’t realize just how gross they actually are. They eat their own cancerous growths?? Geeroos!
This post was disgusting on so many levels and makes me re-think my decision to feed my children pork (though I don’t eat it). I haven’t eaten pork in about 20 years, but my kids eat it regularly. I made the decision to include it in their diets because they needed the extra fat and I didn’t want to create a life-long aversion to something simply because I have one.
Seriously gross…and fascinating.
Sara
WOW This was very informative as well as very gross. I believe my husband and I willbe reviewing this information later and making some decisions. We only eat pork once or twice a month so really not giving up much. Thanks for the information!
Tried to eat a ham sandwich tonight and couldn’t Thanks Hallee! Can you do the same thing for carbs please?!
Aside from the spiritual arguments, what is your source for the information you post about pigs, their metabolism and their diet? I do my best to avoid all factory farmed meat. Can you cite scientific data that show that pastured pork is inherently unhealthy compared to pastured beef?
Halee, I found your site through Kelly the Kitchen Kop’s reference to this article and since I am a Torah-observant believer in Yeshua the Messiah, I found your article very interesting and refreshing in this age of self-gratification.
Regarding this comment: “Some Christians say that after a vision by Peter, God cleansed all animals and made them fit and lawful for human consumption. ” I have never understood why some say that God was cleansing unclean animals here, when it very clearly says in Acts 10:28 following the sheet-like object full of unclean animals event, when Peter is explaining his vision to Cornelius and all the others: “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any MAN (emphasis mine) unholy or unclean.” Cornelius was a gentile, yet Peter was being instructed to preach the gospel to Cornelius and ultimately to all gentiles. God is NOT calling unclean animals clean, nor will He ever do so. God does not change, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He would not one day tell us that unclean animals are not to be eaten, then another day say they can now be our food! He didn’t make a mistake!
Great post and we too avoid pork (we do have bacon and sausage occasionally) b/c of it’s lack of cleanliness as a meat. But I do agree with Kelly that if it’s from a known source than it is probably better but still not good. I imagine that in biblical times, the feed that pigs were given may have been cleaner and God did not specify that it was ok IF the pigs ate cleanly. We choose also to follow most of God’s given Levitical dietary laws NOT b/c we are ‘Under the Law” – we aren’t. We do so b/c as THE CREATOR, God knows His creation best and knows what is good for us and what is not.
All that being said, I must correct the bit about the Pepsi/Pork experiment. That is an Urban Legend and is explained at www dot snopes dot com Just search on Pepsi and pork and the article will come up. You may want to update your post as some people may throw out all of your well written defense based on the one area of mistaken information.
God Bless, Jennifer
God knows His creation best and knows what is good for us and what is not.
I LOVE the simplicity of that comment. Beautifully put. Thank you.
Sources are readily available. The link to the USDA fact sheet is in the post itself. Other sources include but are not limited to the late Dr. Rex Russell, MD, Dr. Jordan Rubin, MD, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Again, all we are doing is telling you why WE choose to follow a Levitical diet. We are NOT trying to tell anyone else not to eat pork. Eat it if you want and enjoy.
Nor are we judging ANYONE for choosing not to follow a Levitical diet. Go right ahead, and we have nothing negative to say about it at all.
Lastly, if you feel you must judge us in some way for our choice of diet, feel free to do that as well. I find it kind of odd, frankly, since it does not affect anyone else in any conceivable way, but do so if you must.
God Bless,
Gregg
Ok, I am extremely grossed out! But in a good way. I love the internet because it helps us find info so much easier and I’m all about being informed. So, thanks Hallee for that very enlightening info. I’ve always known pigs were well pigs but I didn’t know all that about them. We love anything pig, bacon, pork chops, ham but I purchase it from my local farmer who pastures them and grows his own organic feed (soy free). I suppose they could get into something disgusting while rooting around but I feel I am providing my family with a “cleaner” option.
While I don’t believe we are bound by those particular eating requirements anymore I do agree with my pastor who says, “When God says no, what He is really saying is ‘Don’t hurt yourself’.” He doesn’t say no to us to be mean, He loves us and knows what’s best so with that in mind ya have to wonder what His initial reasons were in keeping us away from certain foods. I believe He allowed these unclean foods more out of His love for the gentiles. He didn’t want anything to stand in the way of them being able to hear and accept the gospel message. I don’t think He changed the fact that a pig is still a pig and therefore unclean, prone to harboring and cultivating diseases regardless of how we might try to change their eating habits and environment. So, will I continue to enjoy my “cleaner” pig? Absolutely! (Although I might have to wait til those visions of what I’ve read subside.) Will I maybe limit my consumption of pig in the future? Absolutely!
I’d have to say that I’m with Kelly on this one. If you know your farmer, and know you’re not eating containment pigs, you can have pork that is clean. As for religious reasons for avoiding certain meats, if that works for you, great. But I won’t be giving up my bacon. Thank you for providing more information, and for your respect for choices made by others.
Hallee, I posted this on Kelly the Kitchen Kop’s site and thought I’d add it here since this is where the conversation started.
We bought a pastured pig last year and will buy another one this year. I’m from the Midwest and have seen plenty of pig farming so when I visited the farm (a Joel Salatin-style farm in Oregon) and saw the pigs, I actually teared up. I had never seen happier hogs. They live their entire lives outdoors with a wooded area full of oak trees where they hunt for acorns. The farmer feeds his pigs fresh whey. And he uses heritage breed hogs which are heartier, healthier, and have the right portion of fat to muscle. Our pork was the best meat we’ve ever had. I don’t worry about the horror stories of unclean pork with these animals. There are farmers in the US raising animals with intelligence, love, and compassion and that makes all the difference. I think hogs are like the canary in the coal mine in that they are very sensitive and when not raised right, they easily become diseased and toxic. However, when raised with care, they produce the most divine food.
As a side note, chickens will also eat unclean, diseased, rotting flesh; rodents; each other; and just about any scrap you give them. We humans have to take responsibility for our charges, giving them ample living space, sun, and appropriate food options. That’s our job.
Very interesting post. As a proud follower of Dr Weston A Price, I try to eat traditional foods whenever possible. Some of the healthy peoples studied by Dr. Price, such as the Maori, did eat pork as part of their traditional diet. the Georgians of the Caucasus, one of the healthiest and longest lived peoples on earth, eat as much fatty pork as they can get.
While pigs certainly will eat anything , their preferred food in their natural habitat is mast, the fallen nuts of trees like oak and beech. Various cultures have tried to strictly control the diet of pigs, going back to the Romans and Greeks. I will almost always brine any pork I cook, which is a very traditional practice. It not only helps with flavor and tenderness, but the salt should kill a lot of the bacteria. I also cook to a high enough temperature that the bacteria should be killed, at least according to the government.
That said, I actually do not eat that much pork, because it so hard to find pork that has not been raised on soy.
Hi- I believe as the Bible of John ‘s book says that a man is pure even as he is pure. We are pure because of what we eat & don’t eat & how we purify our system with fasting & prayer. The purer the food, the less blood of Christ needs to purify our system & it can go to heal others etc.. blessings. Also there is evidence scientifically that pigs have human genes or other such mutations from the past that makes them more like humans then other animals so we pick up that energy too. It takes more Holy Spirit to clean oneself from a pork dinner then a chicken etc.. fowl dinner. It won’t hurt you to eat it except as I suggest here & we all want salvation & resurrection which is easier without the pork to densify us more.
Ohhhhhh disgusting. I haven’t had pork in a long, long time. I was a strict vegetarian for years and when I went back to eating chicken and turkey, I still didn’t eat beef or pork. I hate it. But, I will admit that I have been eating pepperoni pizza lately because it’s easier sometimes, and now I’m just so sick that I’ve eaten it lately (it’s been very recently that I’ve just started eating pepperoni again). Thank you for this info, I had no idea!
I apologize if my post sounded judgemental. I had never read anything about the porcine metabolism and the processing of toxins, etc… I was curious where that information came from.
I found this statement from one of the sites you link above interesting:
“God gave Israel the dietary laws to make them holy. Remember, the word holy does not refer to a moral/ethical quality. It means to be set apart. Israel is supposed to demonstrate to the world that it is a nation set apart for the LORD. One of the ways that the people of Israel are to do that is by maintaining a distinctive diet that, on some levels, keeps them separate from others. The distinctive requirements of the kosher diet have forced the Jewish people to cluster together in communities while limiting their potential interactions with other communities.”
found here: https://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/shemini/clean_and_unclean_animals.php
Thanks for this post!
Hallee,
I really enjoyed reading your blog! It’s informative and well constructed. I wanted to share a scripture that you may want to sink your teeth into (no pun intended): Psalm 68:4-
“Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him.”
Thanks!
Li
Thank you and AMEN! I have been researching, reading and pondering all of these things. Glad to find someone put it all in one place.
I will be linking and sending people to this page (and your others) as I continue in sharing what I have been findings.
Blessings.
Some of what is written here does not seem right to me.
For instance the part about the pigs’ feet: I don’t belief there’s some kind of sewer line to the foot. I think pigs get infections in their feet from being raised in poor conditions and with unnatural flooring.
The part about the uric acid makes no sense to me either. I’d want to see some good sources on this.
Hallee,
This post is simply brilliant and thank you so much for posting it!!! I am a born and raised Seventh Day Adventist. We also follow the Biblical diet of not eating unclean meats. I was raised this way, vegetarian until I was a teenager and then strayed away for a long time. I have to confess, I love bacon too. It’s the only weakness I have in the pork department, all the others I don’t like, but I do LOVE it. I had to force myself to eat turkey bacon again and like it.
I also love crab, and lobster. But, I’ve made myself love the fake stuff.
In my lifetime I have experienced numerous times, people make fun of me, question me and even get mad at me for not eating pork. My own family has put me down for it. It’s such a personal decision and it never made sense to me that other people cared but I’ve learned that people don’t like what they don’t understand or what is different.
I am very impressed by your honesty when you start out by saying that you love to smoke, love to eat pork, etc. It’s such a hard thing to admit when you are a Christian because everyone expects us to be perfect. We are human beings too, and God understands our addictions and is always there to help when we ask Him. For me, its especially hard being an Adventist because we focus so much on health and diet, to admit my habits because of the shame that comes along with them. If everyone was as honest as you, I think being a Christian would be a much easier journey. But, alas, nothing that is right, is easy.
Thank you again for your post!!
Have you tried beef bacon? I have learned to love it WAY more than pork bacon, and it doesn’t feel like a “substitute” like turkey bacon does.
I used to eat this stuff called Sizaleen (sp?) and it was beef and turkey mixed but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere.
I also agree with Kelly. While I completely respect your right to eat this way, I would have enjoyed seeing citations to back up your statements. The USDA page says:
*The “Passed and Inspected by USDA” seal insures the pork is wholesome and free from disease.
*What foodborne organisms are associated with pork?
Pork must be adequately cooked to eliminate disease-causing parasites and bacteria that may be present. Humans may contract trichinosis (caused by the parasite, Trichinella spiralis) by eating undercooked pork. Much progress has been made in reducing trichinosis in grain-fed hogs and human cases have greatly declined since 1950. Today’s pork can be enjoyed when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 °F as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. For safety and quality, allow meat to rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming. For reasons of personal preference, consumers may choose to cook meat to higher temperatures.
Some other foodborne micro-organisms that can be found in pork, as well as other meats and poultry, are Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. They are all destroyed by proper handling and thorough cooking.
I would really like to read the reasoning behind your statements because I am currently trying to decide whether to eat pork.
God Bless.
You say, “I would really like to read the reasoning behind your statements because I am currently trying to decide whether to eat pork.”
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Honestly, whether or not you decide to smoke, eat trans fatty acids, consume mono-sodium glutimate, or eat pork is entirely, and I mean entirely, your decision.
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Our decision is not to eat pork or engage in other practices that are generally considered unhealthy or health risks.
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God Bless,
Gregg
Thank you, Gregg. I am aware that the choice to eat or not eat pork is mine. Implying that it’s as bad as smoking seems grossly exaggerated to me…that’s why I wanted to see more your resources. You skipped to the end of my comment. This is fine, though. To each his own.
I didn’t skip to the end of your comment. Is it worth pointing out that while, as you cited, trichinosis cases have “greatly declined since 1950,” that there is a way to 100% guarantee that you won’t come down with this parasite via the pork vector? That is, by not consuming pork.
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We have stated our reasons and made our case for why we choose not to eat pork. Further research would not only seem redundant but superfluous. Whether or not you choose to — or not — remains your choice whether we perform more research is not really relevant since we have already made our choice.
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God Bless,
Gregg
I’ve loved your blog for ages, but I seem to have missed a few chapters … like this one. And it’s so funny, because God has been leading me to change our family’s lifestyle and now I’m seeing things (like this!) EVERYWHERE. I’ll miss my bacon … a LOT … but I know what God is going to do will be exciting for us all!
Beef bacon is a wonderful substitute. Gwaltney makes the only brand we’ve been able to find. Hopefully, you can get it wherever you are.
God bless you on this new journey!
Thanks sooooooo much for your site! I’ve been wrestling with the decision to cut pork from my family’s diet for some time now. You have ended any doubts that remained. I couldn’t eat pork now if I tried….gag…such disgusting creatures! No wonder Jesus never had anything good to say about them. Thanks for presenting the facts and arming your readers with the ammunition to make their own decision. Now…I’m off to my fridge to trash some bacon bits!! God bless you & your family.
Do you vaccinate your kids since many vaccines use pigs as the medium? What is terrible is I am contemplating eating pork chops tonight, and making pulled pork tomorrow. Was going to be a good fast meal since we have all the ingredients… And this is making me not want it…. (sigh…)
Thank you so much for sharing, I need to look into this more. I don’t vaccinate as I don’t believe in it, but was concerned when you don’t eat pork, I would expect you would want to avoid it being injected into you also… And so many don’t realize the ingredients in vaccines… :o( Again, thank you!!! :o) I have found a wonderful website, I look forward to reading a lot here. :o)
Hallee,
You have a potentially great article on your hands, here! However, there is one major–MAJOR–issue I have with this blog entry. I see no citations for your information. A little research and a creative mind could easily fabricate this information. Furthermore, your research could easily be email forwards as opposed to scientific journals. I am not saying it is the case, but there is simply no way of knowing the case without citations. Can you please pass along the sources for your research?
With regards to Christians who feel freed from dietary laws, you are correct. God called the Jews to be separate from other peoples. However, animal fat causes arterial blockages; God forbids the consumption of fat. Animal blood can contain E Coli, salmonella, and other microbial contaminants; God forbids the consumption of fat. Shellfish can cause severe food poisoning; God forbids the consumption of shellfish. AIDS supposedly entered men through some form of primate contact, be it dietary or beastiality, and the disease was spread via homosexuality and promiscuity (among other, less common forms of transmission); God forbids the consumption of or copulation with primates, and homosexuality is forbidden, too. God is a pretty sharp fella, so even though we are free from dietary laws, they are still worth considering as personal dietary guidelines!
Ryan,
Thanks for your comment. I guess it might be a MAJOR problem for a thesis paper, a news print article, or a research paper. For a blog post? Maybe not so major. Especially since references are listed and linked in the article. First of all, every single Bible verse is cited and the Word of God is, of course, our ultimate authority. Secondly, if you actually read all the way down to the bottom of this page and look under the section perhaps counter-intuitively labeled “References” in big bold letters, you will find links to the following sources:
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The Maker’s Diet: The 40-day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever by Jordan S. Rubin
The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness: Seven Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential by Jordan Rubin & David M. Remedios M.D.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living: 3 Principles That Will Change Your Diet and Improve Your Health by Rex Russell, M.D.
What the Bible Says About Healthy Living Cookbook by Hope Egan & Amy Cataldo with Forward by Rex Russell, M.D.
What Would Jesus Eat? The Ultimate Program for Eating Well, Feeling Great, and Living Longer by Don Colbert, M.D.
The What Would Jesus Eat Cookbook by Don Colbert, M.D.
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If the Bible and those books are not enough by way of sources and references, I would also encourage you to read the blog post “Give a Pig a Pancake” which is also linked in the body of this page.
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I would also like to remind all of our readers on behalf of Hallee and myself that this page is not mean to instruct anyone else on how he or she should or should not eat. It is intended merely to educate our readers about how we choose to eat and the reasons why we choose to do so. As we follow our personal convictions, we expect everyone else to do the same.
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Again, thanks for your comment and happy reading,
Gregg
Using Amazon ‘look inside’ I tried to search the four books listed above that are not cookbooks. I didn’t find anything about the pigs’ legs.
I just found your website, and I really enjoy looking through it! Love all your posts. :-) I’m actually a vegan, so I don’t worry about the whole pork thing. And I agree with you about the health reasons for abstaining from pork.
But, I did want to touch on the behavior of pigs that you write about. In factory farms, all animals will eat anything. Chickens/turkey/etc. will eat dead things, each other, rotting things, infected things, etc. A lot of what you say about the behavior of pigs is a result of factory farming. Animals lose their minds in those places. A pig, with a large area to run around in, plenty of space, quality care will act TOTALLY differently than a pig in a factory farm. This goes for chikens, cows, and any other animal as well. Just check out a diverse, sustainable organic farm and a factory farm. The way the animals act is totally different.
Also, almost all animals, including wild ones, will eat their young if there is something wrong with it and it isn’t healthy/likely to survive.
I felt like I had to write all that, not to promote pork eating (hey, vegan here, lol), but to defend the behavior of factory farmed pigs! I actually have two piggie rescues (I live on a farm, filled with rescud animals), and they’re very sweet creatures. They don’t eat one another or eat rotting things or dead things or infected things. They like back rubs, and are quite picky about their food (probably because they’re spoiled by me, lol).
Anyway, keep up the good posts. :-)
P.S. I forgot to add that I actually found your website because of your books. I really the first two (haven’t read the third in the trilogy yet). :-)
Trader Joe’s sells its brand of beef bacon. It’s pretty good.
a comment of mine I submitted above was never posted. I don’t know if it was rejected or missed. I’m reposting a smaller version of it:
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I see no reference on this page or in the books listed in a comment above for this part of your post:
…”The pig was designed with a natural sewer line, or canal, running down each leg with an outlet in the bottom of the split foot. Out of this aperture oozes pus and filth its body cannot pass into its system fast enough. When farmers squeeze the pig’s foot to check the color of this pus, they call it “pig gravy.” Naturally, some of this toxic pus is in the leg meat of the pig.”
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I am skeptical that this is actually true.
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I googled and finally found a version of this idea in an essay by Kellogg in 1897 on the dangers of pork. He was a doctor, vegetarian, I think a Seventh Day Adventist, and I think the founder of the Kellogg’s company of cereals. He had some strange ideas. If he is the source for this idea, I think you need a better, more current source.
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I can believe that there are pigs with injuries and infections in their legs due to poor housing now and in the past, as well as poor nutriton especially in the past. That is different from saying that they actually have a sewer line in their legs. Maybe Kellogg got that idea from ignorant farmers back in the 1800s who didn’t take good care of their pigs.
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As you have said, this page is about how you choose to eat, and you point out that other people can make their own decisions. But it still is a gross item for people to read on this page, and it is presented here to your readers as if it is a known fact. I don’t think it is.
You might ask your veterinarian if this is actually true.
I do wish you would revise this post. The accuracy of these points is separate from your decision not to eat pork. As you say, it’s a personal decision, but that is separate from whether you are providing accurate information. For example, the simple comparison of the amount of fat on beef t-bone steak vs. porkchops seems wrong to me. There are maybe 8 or more different nutritional profiles for these categories depending on whether the values are for separable lean and fat or just separable lean, and how much fat is left after trimming. modern pork tends to be lean, not fatty. if you compare the values for untrimmed pork vs. trimmed steak, you are making an unhelpful comparison, apples to oranges. (And if there s a lot of fat on the edge of a porkchop a person can trim it off .) I’m not saying anyone needs to eat pork, but that bit of information in your post is misleading.